Ernst and Young is sponsoring this research as an investment in responsible leadership and sustainable development research capacity.

The research will undertake to review the drivers and subsequent consequences of South Africa’s progressive commitment to corporate governance, as embodied through the King Codes on Corporate Governances, with special reference to the sustainability performance of companies and the country as a whole. The research forms part of a wider partnership with Harvard Business School to promote corporate governance and responsible leadership internationally.

Through sponsorship from Ernst & Young, the ALCRL appointed Jess Schulschenk as senior researcher at the ALCRL. She has previously worked at Stellenbosch University and the Sustainability Institute, before consulting independently. The research programme will run for a year, during which time the joint ALCRL and Harvard Business School team looks forward to publishing and sharing a range of research outcomes based on the research findings.

Whilst the scope of the research is substantial, the potential implications going forward are significant, and the Faculty fully supports this research initiative.